Although the feeling and appearance of a red and hot face is annoying, it is a sign that your body is burning a lot of energy. During your workout your metabolism is increased, and as a result your body is producing lots of heat. Some people experience a red, hot face during exercise more readily than others; either way, the reaction can usually be considered normal.
Muscle, Exercise and Heat
The reason your face and your whole body get hot during exercise is that exercising increases your body's heat production. When you exercise, the rate of which your muscles contract is increased. In order to contract, muscles require energy. Muscles get energy from a molecule called ATP; when your muscles contract, they convert the energy stored in the ATP into work and heat.
Exercise Intensity
Exercise intensity affects your body's heat production considerably. The higher your exercise intensity is, the harder your muscles are working. Therefore, more heat is produced and your body temperature begins to rise. To control the rising temperature, your body begins to employ ways to remove the excess heat to prevent overheating. You most likely do not see the same red and hot facial reaction, at least not at the same extent, when you are exercising with a light or a moderate intensity. This is because the rate and amount of heat production is lower and your body does not have to maximize heat loss efforts.
Heat Loss
The heat produced by your muscles during the exercise needs to be removed from your body. This happens by the dilation of blood vessels near your skin surface to allow increased heat transfer from your body to your surroundings. This is your body's way to cool down. Your face gets red and hot because the tiny blood vessels or capillaries in your face are dilated. The increased rate and amount of heat transfer through the capillaries will make your face feel hot and the increased blood flow will make your face appear red.
Prevention
To prevent overheating, exercise outdoors, in a well ventilated indoor space or under a fan, to cool your body down. Wear clothes that are designed for exercising and promote heat transfer while keeping you dry. If you are exercising outdoors but the air is humid and hot, lower your exercise intensity so you will not get overheated. Most importantly, drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Heat is lost through your skin mostly through evaporation of water.
Other Reasons for a Red and Hot Face
Your face turning red and hot during high intensity exercise is normal. If you also start feeling dizzy and lightheaded, this may be a symptom of severe overheating and dehydration. Stop exercising and drink lots of water. Also try to cool your body down.
There are other reasons your face can turn red and hot, including eating hot spicy foods, spontaneous flushing, feeling embarrassed, anger, anxiety and stress. Medical reasons for red and hot face include: allergic reaction, overheating not due to exercise, autoimmune disease and rosacea. Reddening due to these can happen any time of the day and is not limited to exercise time, although it may be triggered by exercise.
If the reddening of your face is accompanied by other symptoms, or is you feel that it indicates a problem, consult your physician.
References
- "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry"; David L. Nelson, et al.; 2004
- "Anatomy and Physiology"; Gary Thibodeau, et al; 2007
- University of Illinois at Chicago: Energetics
- Doctors Lounge: Cardiology Answers
- Med Help: Dermatology
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